Kinetics of eosinophil cationic protein release in mite-allergic rhinitis after specific nasal provocation

Nasal allergen challenges, despite not reproducing exactly natural allergen exposures, are a useful method to try to understand the complex mediator and cellular kinetics as well as the cellular interactions triggered by allergen exposure in allergic rhinitis. In this article we evaluated the kinetics of Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) release into nasal lavage fluid after nasal allergen challenge. Our results have shown heterogeneity in ECP kinetics, probably due to heterogeneous activation of the eosinophils already present in the nasal mucosa of perennial allergic rhinitis patients. More studies in this field are needed to evaluate the effect of specific immunotherapy and/or prolonged topical steroid therapy on the kinetics of ECP liberation after allergen challenge. These studies will ultimately lead to a more clear definition of the clinical usefulness of this procedure.